Florida’s climate, water quality, and housing stock create specific plumbing issues that appear consistently in inspection reports. Here’s what to watch for. Polybutylene Pipe Polybutylene pipe — a gray plastic pipe used widely in Florida construction from the 1970s through mid-1990s — is known to fail and is not covered by most homeowners insurance policies. […]
Author Archives: mishomeinspections
After the Champlain Towers South collapse in 2021, Florida enacted legislation requiring structural inspections for older condominium buildings. Here’s what the milestone inspection law requires and what it means for buyers. What the Law Requires Florida’s SB 4-D requires condominium buildings three stories or taller to undergo a structural milestone inspection at 30 years of […]
Condo purchases in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties require a different inspection approach than single-family homes. Here’s what changes and what stays the same. What You Own vs. What the Association Owns In a condo purchase, the inspection focuses on your unit’s interior — the walls, ceiling, floors, electrical panel, plumbing fixtures, HVAC unit […]
Relocating to South Florida from another state? The inspection process here has some important differences from what you may be used to. Insurance Is Everything Here In most states, homeowners insurance is straightforward. In Florida, it’s a significant part of the purchase decision. Your inspection results — particularly roof age and condition — directly affect […]
Fort Lauderdale’s real estate market moves fast. Knowing what to expect from your home inspection — and how to use it — can make the difference between a smart purchase and a costly mistake. Fort Lauderdale’s Specific Risks Many Fort Lauderdale homes sit in flood zones. Your inspector documents visible moisture issues and drainage conditions […]
Florida homeowners pay some of the highest insurance premiums in the country. A wind mitigation inspection is one of the few things that can meaningfully reduce what you pay — sometimes by hundreds of dollars per year. What It Measures Wind mitigation inspections document features that reduce hurricane damage: roof shape, roof deck attachment, roof-to-wall […]
If you’re buying or insuring a home in Florida, you’ve probably heard about the 4-point inspection. Here’s what it covers and why it matters for your homeowners insurance. What the 4-Point Covers The 4-point inspection evaluates four systems: roof, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. It tells the insurance company about the current condition and approximate age […]
Buying a home in Florida comes with its own set of inspection priorities. Here’s exactly what a thorough Florida home inspection covers. Roof and Attic Florida’s sun, humidity, and hurricane exposure make the roof the most critical system in any inspection. Your inspector checks age, condition, flashing, gutters, and attic ventilation — all of which […]